New museums, hotels and world-class shopping give travelers

expanded experiences in the Land of Lincoln

Chicago – The Illinois Office of Tourism is inviting industry professionals and media to explore new attractions, events and hotels in the Land of Lincoln.

“Illinois offers visitors a truly authentic American holiday,” said Jen Hoelzle, State Travel Director with the Illinois Office of Tourism. "Whether visitors are looking for a little retail therapy or an immersive Route 66 road trip experience, it is all found in Illinois.

Shop 'til you drop in Rosemont

The Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont are opening in August 2013. This 530,000-square-foot, indoor shopping experience will feature the absolute best in American and designer brands.

Located only five minutes from O'Hare International Airport, travelers can take advantage of shuttle service between the outlets and the airport. An onsite TSA-certified concierge service will allow travelers to print boarding passes and check shopping bags and luggage directly to their flights. Shuttle service is also available to and from downtown Chicago.

Between the new outlets in Rosemont, the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, and the world-class stretch of shops along the famed Magnificent Mile, the Chicago area has solidified itself as a shopping paradise.

Great Rivers Country Adds State-of-the-Art Museums

Peoria is the long-time home to larger-than-life machinery creator, Caterpillar. In the fall of 2012, doors opened at the Caterpillar Visitors Center to give visitors an inside look into the company's past and present. The Visitors Center is also home to a life-size 400-ton Cat 797, now converted into a 62-seat theater.

Next door, the new Peoria Riverfront Museum also recently opened, with its three centuries of Peoria area history on display. Visitors can interact with exhibits that tell the history of the Illinois River, go stargazing in a state-of-the-art planetarium, browse the fine art gallery, and be wowed by a giant six-story movie theater.

Entertainment and Adventure across Illinois

RiverEdge Park, a brand-new, multi-million dollar outdoor entertainment venue will provide big-name entertainment from blues to rock and retro acts. Festivals will continue throughout the year at this Aurora-area attraction located just outside of Chicago.

In Southern Illinois, the first entirely tree-based, eco-friendly zip line opened in April. The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tours provides thrill seekers three hours of scenic views along eight zip lines throughout 83 acres of Shawnee National Forest – all at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

Major Hospitality Expansion in Chicago

Sir Richard Branson will expand into Chicago with the first ever Virgin Hotel in 2013. The new hotel will be housed in an art-deco landmark building that was originally built in 1928.

Another Chicago landmark, the riverfront Mies van der Rohe building will be transformed into a haven of European hospitality when the Langham Hotel opens this summer.

The brilliantly designed and ultra-hip ACME Hotel is already wowing visitors. Located just off the Magnificent Mile they aim to blow people's minds, not their budget.

In addition, look forward to openings of The Godfrey Hotel (2013), SOHO House Hotel (2014), Hotel Indigo (2014) and Loews Hotels & Resorts (2015).

New Events Draw Interest

Illinois continues to add exciting events to attract visitors. While based in fiction, Rockford's recent Quidditch tournament this April was anything but fantasy, and sports continue to see expansion in Illinois. The always popular Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois will include an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Superman, June 6-9. Lollapalooza returns to Chicago August 2-4, 2013 with more than 100 artists performing live in Grant Park.

For more information on what's new in Illinois, stop by the Illinois Office of Tourism aisle at Booth 836 or visit discoverillinois.org.

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The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.

CONTACT: 

Elisa Marcus, (312) 814-3285

elisa.marcus@illinois.gov

Kate Murphy, (312) 729-3605

kate.murphy@fleishman.com